OCZ's Gladiator Max heatsink is an
extension of the Vendetta 2 model, except that it now utilizes four
large diameter copper heatpipes and a somewhat different aluminum fin
geometry. As with other heatsinks from this series, the copper
heatpipes make direct contact with the top of the processor -
an approach called Heatpipe Direct Touch. In this case it's also a
dead giveaway that the Gladiator Max is basically a modified
version of Xigmatek's HDT-S1284EE heatsink.

The Gladiator Max heatsink should fit most full and mid-tower PC chassis,
but may be too tall for some microATX systems, so keep that in mind as
you scan through Frostytech's review. If you're in need of a compact thermal solution
for your PC, check the low profile Heatsink Top 10 chart. The Gladiator Max cooler should retail for
about$45CDN ($45USD) through your favorite heatsink store,
or shops like Coolerguys.com.

The Gladiator Max uses widely spaced aluminum fins with
a gentle "V" shaped curve running down the middle. This apparently helps low
velocity air pass through the heatsink with less resistance, while funneling air
towards the regions of the aluminum fins adjacent to the
heatpipes. The heatsink also has six large aluminum pegs which extend from the base,
up to four flat aluminum fins. I suppose this will help
draw some heat away from the aluminum surrounding the copper heatpipes.

The Gladiator Max's 120mm fan is affixed to
the heatsink with four vibration absorbing rubber mounting posts. The
rubber posts fit through the standard screw holes in the vaneaxial fan
frame, and keep the fan elevated ~2.0mm from the tips of the aluminum fins. If
the fan motor happens to develop vibrations down the road, the rubber 'shock
absorbers' can reduce that from becoming noise.

OCZ's Gladiator Max heatsink uses Xigmatek's "Heat-pipe
Direct Touch" technique which means the copper heatpipes are directly in contact
with the top of the processor, minimizing thermal joint
resistance. Heat energy is conducted directly to the heatpipes, instead of
through a base and questionable solder joints. The 8mm diameter heatpipes are also
larger than the standard 6mm variety commonly used, so in theory the heat capacity of
each pipe is increased.

Installaton Hardware for Intel / AMD Processors

The OCZ
Gladiator Max heatsink ships with brackets for LGA775 and AMD K8 processors
(754/939/940/AM2 respectively). The Intel socket 775 clips use the standard
push-to-lock plastic clips that insert into the four motherboard holes around
the processor socket.

AMD
Athlon64 processors on 754/939/940/AM2/AM2+ work with a modified tool free
spring clip that attaches to the lugs on the AMD heatsink retention frame. A cam
lever at one end of the clip applies pressure to the heatsink base directly.

This heatsink will be tested on FrostyTech's Intel LGA775 and K8 version
of the Mk.II synthetic thermal temperature test platform, and compared against
a hundred reference LGA775 and K8 heatsinks. The whole test methodology is
outlined in detail here if you'd like to know what equipment is
used, and the parameters under which the tests are conducted.